The Department of Health and the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have published proposals that will, if supported by the Commission on Human Medicines, enable optometrists to prescribe medicines for certain eye conditions.
This could mean that optometrists will be able to treat patients with eye infections without them needing to visit their GP solely for a prescription or even, if necessary refer them to a local hospital eye service.
Launching a three-month consultation on the proposals, Health Minister Lord Warner said:
“Optometrists have a unique set of skills to help people who are suffering with eye problems and will often be more knowledgeable about these conditions than the local GP.
“Today we are beginning a consultation on a number of options which, if agreed, would enable optometrist to become independent prescribers. We believe that by giving optometrists the ability to prescribe independently we would not only be enabling them to make the most of their specialist skills but also giving patients more choice about where and from whom they get their treatment.“
Optometrists can already supply some medicines but these proposals will enable them to develop their services, fully utilising their skills to provide patients with accessible and high quality services.
This could mean that more treatment can be delivered in a primary care setting. It would also allow optometrists to take on additional responsibilities and support modernisation of eye-care services by improving access choice and waiting times for patients. Optometrists will receive additional training before they take on these important roles and, just like other prescribers, they will only work with the conditions which they are competent to manage.
Bryony Pawinska, Chief Executive of the College of Optometrists commented:
"The College of Optometrists welcomes and supports the consultation on proposals to introduce independent prescribing by optometrists. We encourage such initiatives to enhance the role of optometrists, who are highly skilled eyecare professionals who, we believe, should be seen as the first port of call for the public if they have a problem with their eyes. As provider of the Common Final Assessment of Specialist Qualifications leading to specialist registration by optometrists as prescribers, the College looks forward to working with colleagues in the Department of Health and other optical bodies towards an independent prescribing role for optometrists, which will enhance the service and benefit they are able to deliver to patients."
The consultation document can be found on the MHRA website and the consultation period ends on 27 October 2006. The proposals and the responses to the consultation will be considered by the Commission on Human Medicines which will make recommendations to Ministers on the way forward. Subject to Ministers’ agreement, any consequent changes to the law would be made during 2007. The College would encourage Members to respond to this consultation, our draft response will shortly be available in the Members Only Area of the College website.